Surat Embroidery Union Leader Booked for Extortion Ahead of October 15 Protest

SURAT: A criminal complaint alleging extortion and death threats against embroidery workers’ union leader Ajay Dhansukhbhai Dubey has triggered a stir in Surat’s industrial circles, days before artisans planned to gherao the Collector’s office on October 15 over weekly holidays and decisions of the Embroidery Association.

According to the complaint filed at Khatodra police station, trader Deepak Sushilkumar Shukla alleged that Dubey and unidentified associates visited his shop in the Shri Atmanand Society industrial area on Bamroli Road and demanded ₹50,000.

Shukla claimed that the accused intimidated him and forcibly collected ₹10,000. He further alleged that they threatened to kill him and his family and publicly abused him.

The trader subsequently approached Khatodra police with friends and lodged a formal complaint. Police registered a case against Dubey and his associates under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). An investigation is underway.

The case comes amid preparations for a proposed October 15 protest by thousands of embroidery workers and artisans. The agitation is intended to highlight grievances over decisions taken by the Embroidery Association and the alleged denial of weekly holidays, which workers say they are entitled to under labour laws.

The timing of the complaint has drawn attention among industrialists and labour groups, as the accused union leader was spearheading the planned demonstration.

However, the allegations remain unproven, and the police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged extortion and threats. The complaint itself does not establish whether the scheduled protest will be affected.